He was born on Jan. 2, 1941 in Lyons, Kan., the son of F.B. and Lucile Rose Thomas, Jr. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1959. He also had received some college hours. Bill was an Industrial Mechanic. He loved to tinker, do woodworking, and had retired from Cities Service/Oxy.

On Feb. 21, 1987, Bill and Sandra Dailey were united in marriage in Mount Hope, Kan.

Those who survive include: his wife, Sandra of the home; his children and their spouses, Sarah and Doug Lauxman of Towanda, William and Cindy Thomas, Jr., of Maize and Christine and Ken Werth of Wichita; a step-son, Galen Thies and wife Heather of Lawrence; and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Rose Ann Miller.

Memorials to his memory for the United Church of Christ in Haven or H20 Church TV in Towanda may be left with Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado, who are in charge of the arrangements. Condolences to the family can be sent to www.carlsoncolonial.com.